Mrs. Amaka Onwughalu, Chairman of Fidelity Bank Plc, has been honoured as Woman of the Year at the 5th Anambra Man of the Year Awards (AMTY) for her outstanding contributions to banking, corporate governance, leadership, and service to society.
The ceremony held at the Stanel Dome Conference Centre, Awka, brought together business leaders, academics, and public figures to celebrate individuals shaping business, governance, academia, and community development.
Chaired by Prof. Joe Ezigbo, Founder of Falcon Corporation, the event featured a keynote by Prof. Bond Anyaehie, Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, on the theme “Unstoppable Anambra: Leveraging Human Capital for Global Impact.”
Mrs. Onwughalu was appointed Chairman of Fidelity Bank’s Board effective January 1, 2026, after joining the Board in December 2020. She brings over 32 years of experience in financial services, having served as Group Managing Director of Mainstreet Bank Limited and Deputy Managing Director of Skye Bank Plc.
Receiving the award, she described it as deeply personal.
“I have been privileged to receive several honours in my career. But to be recognised by my home state makes this especially meaningful. It reminds me of the values that have guided my journey: integrity, resilience, service and excellence,” she said.
She dedicated the award to her mentors, colleagues, and the Fidelity Bank team.
“I am especially grateful to the Board, Management and staff of Fidelity Bank Plc. It is a privilege to serve as Chairman of a bank that places strong governance, customer focus and sustainable growth at the heart of its operations,” she added.
Mrs. Onwughalu said she hopes the recognition inspires more young people, especially young women, to pursue their dreams with courage, discipline and confidence.
Other awardees included High Chief Anthony Ikenna Obele, Chairman of Mekens Integrated Nigeria Ltd, named Business Icon of the Year; Most Rev. Dr. Valerian Maduka Okeke, Metropolitan Archbishop of Onitsha, honoured as Person of the Decade; Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, Rector of Federal Polytechnic Oko, named Public Servant of the Year; Prof. Stella Okunna, Lifetime Achievement Award; Joy Egolum, Corporate Affairs Manager East, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Corporate Leader of the Year; and Chinyere Moneme, SAN, Inspiring Woman of the Year.
In his remarks, Prof. Ezigbo said the AMTY Awards acknowledge that “excellence, character and service matter,” adding that celebrating people while alive encourages them to keep doing good and inspires others.
